Top 5 Tight Ends of Southern WI

Next up is another loaded position and region! The tight ends of southern WI are something to behold. They have size (6’4"+ 200+ lbs), receiving ability, blocking ability, and they are spread across  multiple graduating classes. WI has a knack for pumping out these special athletes, and the tradition looks to be in good hands. Let’s check out these dual threat athletes! <strong>1. [player_tooltip player_id="206422" first="Nollenn" last="Tabaska"], ’23- Brookfield East</strong> TE1 in the state starts us off here in the south. He has an elite frame at 6’7" 230 lbs with the body control to make it a very dangerous frame. Body Control that allows him to line up out wide, have goo d releases, and run solid routes that get him separation from DBs. He doesn’t need much  space though as he is able to tower over defenders at the catch point. I’m a big fan of his ability to make the catch in traffic too. I’m excited to see a big breakout year for Nollenn. If he can take the next step in his run blocking then we have a top notch prospect on our hands. <strong>2. [player_tooltip player_id="240999" first="Luke" last="Schuler"], ’23- St. Joseph Catholic Academy</strong> I really like the 6’4" 210 lbs TE out of Kenosha. Luke piled up 21 receptions, 346 yards, and 8 TDs this past fall. The strength of his game is easily his receiving abilities. After the catch he has surprising speed that can beat pursuit angles, a mean stiff arm to keep defenders at bay, and the vision to find his way to green grass and utilize blocks. Before the catch, Luke uses his speed and savvy route running to get open. To top it off, Schuler has reliable hands that can reel in passes in traffic, an outside the framework of his body. <strong>3. [player_tooltip player_id="104432" first="Jack" last="Opperman"], ’23- Fort Atkinson</strong> Jack is another big body at the TE position. Checking in at 6’5" 225 lbs, Jack is an absolute bulldozer in the run game. He is a man mover on the edge as he washes defenders down the line, walks them off the line, and buries them into the ground. Opperman opens up massive running lanes for his RBs. To go with the blocking, Jack was also the team’s second leading receiver with 1 receptions, 174 yards, and 1 TD. His blocking is his major strength. Teams looking for a dominant blocker at the TE position, this is your man. <strong>4. [player_tooltip player_id="270499" first="Jayson" last="Hoppe"], ’23- Mukwonago</strong> This is an interesting prospect. He is a long, lean, 6’4" 200 lbs TE. Despite not having the thickest, strongest frame he is still used predominantly as a run blocker. Hoppe uses his speed to get himself the proper angle to wall off defenders an does a good job of sticking onto his block until the play is over. He is very good at making key blocks out in space. when they did target him, Jayson has good concentration to complete the catch through traffic and contact, and he has no problem snagging it out side his frame. I’m expecitng to see him rise this season. <strong>5. [player_tooltip player_id="268942" first="Logan" last="Bahr"], ’24- Onalaska Luther</strong> Our only underclassman to crack the top 5  is the 6’6" 205 lbs TE out of Onalaska. The potential is high with this one. He already posses the length to dominate. I cant’ wait to see how his body fills out over the next couple years. He piled up 21 receptions, 318 yards ,and 5 TDs. Logan holds down the #1 TE spot in our 2024 rankings. He has inside-outside versatility. He releases well out of a two or three pint stance, and finds the openings in coverage. As his body control continues to develop we could see a big jump in his play and stats. <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Honorable Mention</strong></span> <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="304621" first="Toby" last="Luedtke"], ’23- Grafton:</strong><em> 4 Receptions, 61 Yards, 1 TD</em> <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="304630" first="Aeneas" last="Hayes"], ’23- Badger: </strong><em>2 Receptions, 26 Yards</em> <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="245938" first="Brody" last="Brinkman"], ’23- Hartford Union:</strong><em> 3 Receptions, 42 Yards</em> <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="245939" first="Owen" last="Zahm"], ’24- Viroqua: </strong><em>Prep Redzone WI Showcase Standout, Up and coming prospect</em> <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="270698" first="Caleb" last="Hawn"], ’24- Sun Prairie: </strong><em>Didn’t play varsity in 2021, breakout potential</em>